Our NEAFL side claim a 150-point victory over Southport

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Southport were no match for the Brisbane Lions as a heavy injury toll added salt to the wound of a 150-point thrashing at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

With a complete side of 22 AFL-listed players, the Lions notched 10 goals in the first quarter on their way to a comprehensive 27.13 (175) to 4.1 (25) victory.

The Sharks, already languishing in ninth place on the ladder, were made to count the cost of the heavy defeat after Rising Star nominee Cody Filewood (knee), and defender Nick Crowley (ribs) out of the match by half-time, with Brady Egan (concussion) and Andrew Boston (ankle) done by three-quarter time.

In wet conditions, the Lions led by 50 points at quarter-time and kept Southport scoreless in the second as they stormed to an 82-point lead at the main break.

Another 12 goals to two in the second half blew the margin out, an important aspect of their performance for Brisbane Lions NEAFL Coach Mitch Hahn.

“It was pleasing that we were able to play four quarters of consistent footy, and we continued to challenge Southport for the full four quarters and play the way we wanted to,” Hahn said.

“It was really pleasing that the players didn’t drop off. We got away to a good start in the first quarter, which really helps, but it was good they continued to work hard.”

Josh Schache was the leading goalkicker for the Lions with five goals, but they had contributors all over the park.

Matt Hammelmann, Corey Lyons, Blake Grewar and Rohan Bewick all booted three each, with Bewick also a key ball winner with 29 disposals and five inside 50s.

Seb Tape was a shining light for Southport with 28 disposals and five clearances, and Jordan Keras also battled hard to finish with 27 disposals.

Hahn said it was a positive sign Schache was able to hit the scoreboard, but he wouldn’t be the only Lions player to gain confidence from the result as a full list continues to press for an AFL berth.

“I think all our guys would have got a lot of confidence from the game today,” Hahn said.

“It’s fantastic for Josh to kick five goals, but more importantly it was his work rate and his ability to move around the ground. That was something he provided last week, but didn’t get the reward (on the scoreboard) for it.

“His work rate in the last two weeks has been fantastic, and that’s what we’ll continue to work on with him.”

Brisbane will host the GIANTS at South Pine Sports Complex in Brendale next week, while Southport heads to Alice Springs to take on NT Thunder.